ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali on Saturday lashed out at Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) for what he said was use of “inappropriate language” with regards to the Pakistan Army and Rangers.

Nisar said MQM had in the past acknowledged army’s and Rangers’ sacrifices in combating terrorism in the country, adding that the party’s condemnation of the army and Rangers following the Nine Zero raid was unacceptable.

The federal interior minister went on to say that the MQM had itself appealed for an army-backed operation in Karachi. “Altaf Hussain and other MQM leaders have time and again insisted that the army be used to wipe the city clean from target killers and terrorists,” he said.

“If the party now has issues with the operation, it should take them to court instead of condemning its own country's army,” Nisar said. “Is using such language against your own army acceptable?”

Since the raid at Nine Zero on Wednesday, MQM has held several press conferences, clarifying its stance and trying to steer the party clear of allegations levied on it.

Know more: MQM reiterates stance on Rangers raid.

The party has maintained that the weapons seized at its headquarters were licensed and were meant for security purposes only, in the face of imminent threats. MQM leader Farooq Sattar had rebuffed claims of confrontation with any law enforcement agency, including Rangers, on Thursday.

Sattar also alleged that MQM worker, Waqas Ali Shah, who was killed during the raid on Wednesday, was shot by Rangers personnel.

Rangers have so far presented dozens of individuals picked up from Nine Zero and adjoining areas in anti-terrorism courts, many of whom have been detained for a 90-day remand.

Meanwhile, MQM chief Altaf Hussain said on Saturday that his party was being deliberately maligned and targeted, while other criminals roamed free.

He asserted that false statements were being coerced out of those arrested, after a press release by Rangers said MQM worker Umair Siddiqui confessed that the party was responsible for the Baldia factory arson.